Khutbah - Islamic View to events on Thursday, 7 July 2005

Friday Khutbah (15th July 2005) delivered by Shaykh Abdullah Al-Judai

The Shaykh opened with prayers, he said:

“Oh Lord, we seek refuge from you from misguiding others or being misguided ourselves.  We ask for your support and your protection from trials and tribulations.” 

• The Islamic view with regards to the events of London and its implications are summarised here:
• While the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions were subject to severe antagonism, hardship and oppression from the intolerant people of Mecca, God revealed the following verse that has been immortalised in our Qur’an.  He ordered them:

“God commands justice, kindness and the giving (of economic provision) to relatives.  And he forbids evil, injustice and transgression.”

Despite the aggression from their own people and relatives, the command of God was clear – to continue extending kindness even to those who antagonised them and to keep away from any kind of retaliation.

• Islam is elevated above the accusations that are leveled at it.
• In his last sermon of his Hajj to Mecca, the Prophet stated a law that was already known, as if to reiterate its importance.  He emphasised that the lives, property and dignity of people are as sacred in Islam as the sanctity of this day (Day of Arafat), this place (Mecca), this occasion (the Hajj).
• This is stressed further in another Hadith which describes the believer as one who people feel secure from their property and lives.  A believer is not merely someone who pledges his belief in God, but someone who appreciates the true message of Islam, hence people are safe from him.
• The example of the 2 sons of Adam stands and is very relevant for today - the Qur’an says:

"if anyone kills a human being - unless it be [in punishment] for murder or for spreading corruption on earth - it shall be as though he had killed all mankind." 

• Contracts and agreements are not to be broken.  Our stay in this country is bound by explicit or implicit agreements to respect its law.  And there is a great deal of justice to be obtained through it.  If one feels they have been dealt with unjustly, then they should address the matter using legitimate means.
• God says:

"O my slaves, I have prohibited injustice for myself, and have made it prohibited between you, so do not oppress."

• Betrayal is a most abhorrent sin.  It is prohibited even in times of battle.
• Islam does not have an 'aims justify the means attitude'.  The aims have to be legitimate and the means have to be legitimate.
• Islam does not operate in the shade.  It does not have hidden teachings.  There is nothing mysterious within it. 
• God does not like mischief as the Qur’an states.

The Shaykh has open messages for various groups in relation to current events:

• To everyone who was harmed by the London bombings: Islam considers this a crime which we condemn.  No Muslim scholar has ever supported such acts through fourteen centuries of Islam's history.  We extend our condolences to the families of the victims.
• A message to the British public: When a disaster strikes, it is not confined to the sinful. It touches everyone.  So maintain your wisdom and your composure.  Muslims have often sought asylum in this country for its security and justice.
• A message To the Muslims living in this country: do not transgress.  Adhere to the rule of law and appreciate your affiliation to this country as citizens.  Contribute positively, convey the message, reject and resist aggression.  Show the community at large the kindness of Islam.  Violence does not bring about anything except evil, as the Prophet says.  Prevent the recklessness of extremism and if that requires informing the authorities then do so.  Such is the command of Islam; to maintain the peace.

• The next message is for the authorities, especially the police: We say thank you for your work, for recognising that the majority of muslims are law abiding citizens and for respecting the sensitivities of people. We appreciate what you have done, so keep it up.
• A message to the media, the truthful and the less honest: Remember that you are responsible for the education of public, and remember the covenant you must have agreed to when you took on media work.  Respect the truth, do not spread rumours; carrying pictures of people on the front pages without evidence is nothing short of defamation.  Remember your vital role in carrying the truth.  Your coverage can have serious implications for community harmony.
• A final message with regards to this mosque: This mosque was founded on good.  It has been run for the good.  My message to them is to convey the message of Islam including everything we have mentioned today.

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